World Cup for the Blind: Nothing less than third title acceptable to Pakistan

Defending champions will leave for South Africa on Monday

LAHORE: Pakistan’s will be aiming for nothing less than a third title in the World Cup for the Blind, which is taking place after eight years.

The defending champions are set to depart for Cape Town, South Africa on Monday, where they will be up against seven other nations; hosts South Africa, India, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England and the West Indies.

A farewell ceremony for the participating squad was organised by the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council yesterday, with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan as the chief guest.

“We will arrive in South Africa with 17 diamonds,” captain Zeeshan Abbasi told The Express Tribune while referring to his squad. “I’m quite satisfied with my team’s preparations in all three departments: batting, bowling and fielding. Our aim is to win the World Cup, nothing less will do.”

Abbasi added that playing against India is the most pressing concern on his team’s minds, having lost to their arch-rivals in the T20 World Cup decider in 2012 after an unbeaten run in the tournament. However, he expressed faith in his players’ ability to hold on to their nerves in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, the PCB chief promised to make concrete efforts to commission a specialised ground for the blind cricket team, which currently has to make do with local grounds unsuitable for visually-impaired players.

Pakistan have won the World Cup twice, once in 2002 against South Africa and then in 2006 when they beat India. The team has also won 12 international bilateral series out of 14.

 

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